Dr. Lars A. Hafner is the president of State College of Florida, Manatee-Sarasota. He assumed his position July 1, 2008, as the fifth president of the area’s oldest and largest public institution of higher education, proudly serving residents of Manatee and Sarasota counties with 12,000 credit students.
Dr. Hafner has been described as an innovative educator and energetic leader with demonstrated passion and enthusiasm for the community college mission. His unique perspective and insight result from a path that began as a community college student and advanced to professor to administrator to policy maker. During his 22-year career in higher education, Hafner also served 12 years in the Florida Legislature as Pinellas County District 53 representative.
Dr. Hafner, in concert with SCF employees, community members and the Board of Trustees, has propelled several new priorities. These are highlighted by technology and sustainability initiatives, collegiate charter school proposal and four-year degree programs, with the first baccalaureate degree, the Bachelor of Science in Nursing, starting January 2010.
Dr. Hafner was raised in the Tampa Bay area. He received an Associate in Arts degree from (then) St. Petersburg Junior College, a bachelor’s degree from State University of New York at Buffalo and a master’s degree from the University of Maryland. He received a Ph.D. in leadership and education/higher education administration from Barry University. He is married to Dr. Jacquie Hafner, and they have two daughters.
